Area News

2023 Kansas Health Champions Announced

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) presented the 2023 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, January 26.

The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization, as well as honorable mentions in each category.

  • Individual Health Champion: Douglas Neal, Topeka.
  • Organizational Health Champion: Stay Strong Live Well Wilson County.
  • Individual Honorable Mention: Renaire Palmer, Wichita.
  • Organizational Honorable Mention: STAND, a vision of Mirror Inc.

“Congratulations to this year’s Health Champions.” Secretary Janet Stanek, KDHE, said. “We appreciate your dedication to improving the health and livelihoods of the people of Kansas.”

Health Champions

Douglas Neal of Topeka is the Palliative Care Program manager at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and facilitates activities of the Palliative Care and Quality of Life and Interdisciplinary Advisory Council. Douglas served 27 years in the United States Army as a Senior Division Noncommissioned Officer and during that time he earned the title of Master Fitness Trainer. He also currently works as a Level III (the highest level) trainer at Genesis Health Clubs where he works with clients from all age ranges. Douglas has shown strong dedication to improving the lives of the people around him by modeling good health and fitness in a sustainable way.

Dr. Latania Marr y Ortega, who nominated Douglas, said, “Mr. Neal’s scope of influence has been far-reaching. During his career as a Noncommissioned Officer in the US Army, his current position as a Palliative Care Manager for KDHE, and as a fitness trainer, his message of achieving a fit and healthy lifestyle to avoid chronic disease continues to influence communities of all ages and ethnicities. Mr. Neal is committed to improving the life of Kansans and is truly a health champion.”

Dr. Be Stoney, who also nominated Douglas, said” Mr. Neal’s military and professional careers have led him to where he is today. Now a Palliative Care Manager for KHDE, he is the epitome of what it takes to not only educate yourself in assisting others in healthy lifestyles, but he models what it takes to be healthy, exercise, make healthy eating choices, and be determined to understand the importance of modeling.”

Stay Strong Live Well Wilson County is a community coalition that focuses on improving the health of Wilson County residents. They work with local restaurants to increase the availability of healthy food, work to build and create access to trails and parks, and work with the Fredonia Regional Hospital to implement a resource referral network that connects patients with community organizations that can address various needs.

Carlie Houchen, who nominated Stay Strong Live Well Wilson County, said, “Their work will have a lasting impact on the health and fitness of Kansas because they are making systemic and environmental changes. They are truly changing the context for members of their community. People will have free access to trails and parks that did not exist before. This removes significant barriers to active living and healthy eating to set people up to be healthy and happy.”

Honorable Mentions

Renaire Palmer of Wichita is a nutrition and wellness coach, certified fitness trainer and owner of Fundamental Fitness, a gym and physical fitness center. Renaire also developed Fun Fit Life

Foundation, a nonprofit fitness and nutrition program for underserved students. He has also volunteered his time to support a nonprofit organization that combines literacy and fitness titled Hoops 4 Literacy. Renaire has committed the last 12 years of his personal life and career to improve the health and wellness of the Wichita community.

Prisca Barnes, who nominated Renaire, said, “Improving the health and well-being of a community is no simple task. That is why Renaire’s commitment to reaching the younger generation is so important. His work in schools, community centers, parks and more empowers underserved youth and their families by providing them with tools to live happier and healthier lives.”

STAND, a vision of Mirror Inc. is a student-led group that focuses on peer-to-peer advocacy and education regarding substance misuse and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. The STAND initiative is in its fifth year, and they aim to improve mental and physical health in their communities. They hold activities throughout the year that encourage students to be physically active while also building relationships. STAND has appeared before school boards, city councils, and presented at local town halls to advocate for community change and have been successful in getting their communities to pass ordinances that raise the age to purchase tobacco and prohibit tobacco use in city parks.

Danna Gordon, who nominated STAND, said, “Members are creating social change and have impacted thousands through their positive leadership, prevention education, and student-designed projects that meet community needs. STAND is essential to the culture of our school and community.”

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Art, Bourbon County

Call For Entries-Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit-2023

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The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 31st Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 2nd, through Saturday, March 11th.

The mixed media competition is open to artists of age 16 and older.  Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

A new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “DOORWAYS & WINDOWS”.  An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.

Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.  Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category.  Entry deadline and payment are due by February 24th, 2023.

Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.

Entry forms may be requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650, Deb Halsey at (620)224-0684, or e-mailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.

The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows:  Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 24th. No late entries will be accepted.

Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on February 26th, between 1 and 4 pm.

 Juror critique of the artwork will occur on March 1st;  this is closed to artists and the public.

The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday March 2nd at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.

A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror on  Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, March 2nd through Friday March 10th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 11th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

 

 

Area News, Government, Kansas

Kansas Family Advisory Network SE Receives Grant

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Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $1.8 Million in Funding for 10 Family Resource Centers

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 10 Kansas communities are receiving grants to assist with the creation of Family Resource Centers. These funds, granted by the Kansas Department for Children and Families, are part of its ongoing efforts to decrease the need for families to have formal contact with the agency.

“The centers receiving these grants serve as community hubs with the sole purpose of supporting families in their own neighborhoods,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Providing easier access to programs and services, including job skills training, early childhood programs, and nutritional services, sets Kansas families up for success.”

DCF awarded grants to:

Agency
Counties Served
Award Amount
Community Children’s Center
Douglas County
$208,300
Kansas Family Advisory Network SE
Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, and Wilson Counties
$208,300
Kansas Family Advisory Network SW
Barton, Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Gray, Greeley, Harvey, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Meade, Pawnee, Reno, Rice, Seward, and Stafford Counties
$208,300
Kansas Children’s Service League
Sedgwick County
$208,333
KU Project Eagle
Wyandotte County
$208,095
Live Well NWKS
Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Wallace, Logan, Gove, and Trego Counties
$208,300
Pony Express
Marshall and Washington Counties
$197,443
Turner USD 202
Wyandotte County; USD 202
$84,000
Urban League of Kansas
67214 zip code in Sedgwick County
$124,999
USD 252 Lyon Co.
Lyon County communities of Neosho Rapids, Harford and Olpe
$106,142

Total awarded: $1,762,212 

 “We know that if we can help build the skills necessary for families to succeed, we can prevent the need for families to have contact with DCF, especially the child welfare system,” Secretary Laura Howard said. “These centers will focus on parent resilience, social connections and important parent and child development skills which we believe will result in fewer youth in the foster care system.”

Family Resource Centers are designed for all families with services at no or low cost for participants. Examples of services and supports offered at a resource center include:

  • Childcare resource and referral
  • Counseling
  • Early childhood programs
  • Food bank, cooking, and nutrition programs
  • Health screenings
  • Home visiting program
  • Job skills training
  • Legal services
  • Literacy programs
  • Parent leadership and peer groups
  • Play groups
  • Youth leadership and peer groups

DCF partners with the Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) to administer the Family Resource Center network. KCSL will work with the communities to design and create their center. As the lead operator of the Parent Helpline 1-800-Children, KCSL offers important insights on parenting and caregiver resources that will help ensure the success of each Family Resource Centers.

Grants run through June 30, 2024, with three one-year options to renew.

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Bourbon County, Business

Lamb and Cattle Show Sponsors Wanted for Spring Show

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Hannah and Adam Montee. Submitted photo.

A couple with young children has taken on facilitating a youth livestock show. This spring is their third show.

Adam and Hannah Montee hosted a youth livestock show in the spring of 2021 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds to offer kids an opportunity to showcase their animals.

This was because so many livestock shows had been shut down due the COVID 19 Pandemic.

“We have 3 kids who are in 4-H now and show lambs, goats and calves, plus a 2-year old who can’t wait to show,” Hannah said.

At that 2021 show, 100 calves were shown by 60 exhibitors from six states, and $1,000 in cash and prizes were given away, according to Hannah.

“Our goal the first year was to raise $2,000 for updates to wash racks at the Crawford County Fairgrounds,” she said. “With help from sponsors, we are hopeful the project will be completed soon.”

In 2022, the Montees changed venues for the show to Fort Scott and had over 70 kids showing 150 animals.

It will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds again this year on March 17 -18.
“We changed venues because the (Crawford County) fair board did not want to work with us,” Hannah said. “The Bourbon County fair board wants show, clinics, etc. there and doesn’t care when others are scheduled.”

“We also needed full use of the fairgrounds – exhibitors able to stall in the barns, inside space, etc. and we did not have access to that at the Crawford County fairgrounds,” she said.

This year they are adding lambs to the livestock show: a prospect and possibly a progress lamb show on Friday night, March 17.

The Montees are looking for more business sponsors for this year’s show. There are different level of sponsorships from $100 to $500.

“Any sponsorship money goes directly to prizes for the kids,” she said.

Contact her at 620.704.4196 or email [email protected]

Government, Kansas

2023 Kansas State of the State Address

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~~Governor Kelly Calls on Kansas Legislators to “Meet Her In the Middle” to Continue State’s Success~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly tonight delivered her 2023 State of the State Address during a joint session of the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives.

To see the transcript of the address:

 

The video stream, provided by Smokey Hills PBS, is available at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoJWERxZt0I.

Fort Scott

Community Involvement Fair on Feb. 2

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Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member
Fort Scott Foward…
Community Involvement Fair
Here’s your chance to get involved and make a difference!
Plan to attend our Community Involvement Fair on Thursday, February 2nd
from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby.
This event is perfect for anyone in our community looking to get involved more in 2023.
The first 75 people who go through the event will receive a gift

Click here for more info.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Government

Amended Agenda for FS City Commission This Evening

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JANUARY 24, 2023
6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke E. Woellhof K. Harrington M. Wells
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: T. VanHoecke
IV. Approve Amended Agenda:

1) Consideration of CMB License on Premises for Aunt Toadies / Consent Agenda – 1411 E. Wall;

2) Bid Total Included for Consideration – Memorial Hall Steps Restoration / New Business;

3) Removal of Grant Consideration for ERS Systems / New Business – Dave Bruner.
V. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 10, 2023.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1328-A totaling $1,010,092.41
C. Request to Pay – HDR – $13,328.46
D. Request to Pay – Baker Tilly – $7,898.91 – Fees for December 2022 –
Interim Management Services – City Manager and Lodging Fees.
E. AMS – $516,498.33 – first ½ of sludge removal at Wastewater Plant
F. Marbery Concrete – $33,720.00 – Lake Fort Scott Dam work
G. AG Engineering – $2,000.00 – Lake Fort Scott Dam engineering
H. Tyler Technologies – $53,925.19 – Yearly software service
I. Nuss and Farmer – $8,000 (December and January fees)
J. BBCO Redi – $5,100 (December and January fees)
K. Hawkins Inc. – $11,431.78 Water Treatment chemicals
L. Kansas 911 Council – $36,600 (call handling phone package for dispatch)
M. KMIT – $82,535 (Workman’s Comp Insurance, yearly)
N. Consideration for CMB License on Premises – Aunt Toadies – 1411 Wall St

VI. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five
(5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VII. Old Business:
A. Update on Costs to Move Existing Docks at Lake Fort Scott – Doug
B. Dave’s Demolition retracted bid awarded for 523 S. Heylman (BID #48-
2022). Consideration to go out for bids again.
C. Consideration to go out for demolition bids on 1107 W. 6 th St.
D. Update on Brick Street Policy – Tabled to 1/24/23 meeting, Bob Farmer to Review.
1. Update by Bob Farmer – requested by Commission
2. Traffic Counts – M. Wells
3. Brick Specifications – J. Dickman
E. Update on Splash Pad location before the Commission votes.
1. Photo of Location – J. Jones
VIII. Appearances: Justin Pergont to address the Commission regarding the Van Fossen Apartment Project.
IX. Public Hearing: None
X. New Business:
A. Consideration of Crosswalk and Signage to be painted on the alley road way exiting onto Wall St. from the Common Ground drive through. – Presented by Thomas Russell and Jennifer LaRoche
B. Consideration to Increase Airport Hangar Rates – Seth Simpson
C. Consideration of Cost for Lake Fort Scott Boat Ramp – $2,740.00 (Not to Exceed $3,500.00)
D. Consideration to go out for bid for Gunn Park RV Bathroom Renovation
E. Consideration to go out for bid on Fort Scott Pavilion

F. Consideration of advertising for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for US-54 City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP) seeking qualified consulting firms for pre-construction engineering and project management.
G. Consideration of Memorial Hall Steps Restoration Bid – award winner One (1) complete bid received, opened 1/24/2023 at 2:00PM at City Hall with Earles Engineering present with the City Clerk – $147,426.49
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
J. Jones –
T. VanHoecke –
E. Woellhof –
K. Harrington –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

The Beauty Lounge Celebrates One Year Anniversary on Jan. 28

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Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member
The Beauty Lounge…
New Location and One Year Anniversary!

The Beauty Lounge invites everyone to come out and celebrate their new location PLUS their one-year anniversary!

Lots of activities going on which include:

Permanent Jewelry

$10 Brow Waxes

$10 Flower Bouquets

Hair Tinsel

$10 Charcuterie Cups

Chair Massages $1/minute

40% off all products

Essential Oils with Bobbi Ogle

Injections w/ Blissful Aesthetics

(xeomin: $8/unit, filler:$100 off full syringe, Lipo shot:$35,

b12 shot:$20)

Free door prizes plus goody bags to the first 10 guests!

Endless cocktails and snacks

January 28th 2023

1-5pm

2 south Main Street
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Announces The Artificers Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Gala

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Gala to celebrate the launch of The Artificers, T.E. Freeman Studio & Kate Freeman Studio at 8 N. National Ave. in the Downtown Historic District on Saturday, January 28, 2023.  The ribbon cutting and remarks will take place at 5:45pm and the gala will follow from 6 to 9pm. Light refreshments will be offered.  The gala will feature art from Trent and Kate Freeman as well as some of their house artists that will be with them on a regular basis.  This long-awaited event will kick off the opening of the art gallery and hosting of art classes and workshops that will be held in the teaching studio.

Classes and workshops will start February 1st, and those interested can sign up for emails at their website theartificers.com and always be the first to know what’s being offered. The Gallery will also periodically feature master artists who will teach workshops about their art.

Trent & Kate will also be conducting a silent auction of some exclusive pieces of artwork as well as a special announcement, regarding the artwork. Only those in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase these pieces.

The Freeman’s recently moved to Bourbon County from Kansas City after selling their home and studio.  Trent has been a mixed media sculptor for 26 years and received his Undergraduate in Fine Art from Emporia State University.  Kate Freeman is a ceramist and acrylic painter as well as the marketing and day to day management of the studio.   The Freeman’s have been restoring the Hammons’ Real Estate building and are planning to continue the restoration and have their residence in the upper level.  The Freeman’s are glad to be part of the Fort Scott community and are excited and encouraged by the amount of support they have received from fellow business owners and residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding areas.

 

The galleries first artists will include; Kenny Felt- photography, Tim Kienzle- copper jewelry, Erin Shevling- pottery, Dianne Miller- glass, Kristin Girard- electroforming jewelry, Kristan Hammond- photography, Rachel Painter- painting, Amy Smith- mixed media, and “Forged in Fire” Champion, Ryan DeMott- Bladesmith.

 

Chamber members and the community are welcome and encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting and gala event this Saturday.  The Artificers look forward to a festive evening by suggesting cocktail attire or nice dress.  Although the event is free, those attending are requested to RSVP under the event on fortscott.com or email [email protected].

 

 

Bourbon County Local News